Tributes paid to college tutor who put learners first
A college tutor who devised a course to help
young people to learn has died.
Anna Hornsey, who was 51, had been suffering from cancer and
died in the Pilgrims Hospice on Thursday last week after being
taken ill again just before Christmas.
Many youngsters in Dover have reason to be grateful for her help
at South Kent College and K College.
Mrs Hornsey was married to Alan in 1988 and they had three sons
– Michael, Richard and James – to whom she was devoted.
Born in Wales, she went to schools in Wales, Germany and
Nottingham before joining Dover Grammar School for Girls when she
moved to Dover with her parents Marilyn and Geoff Smithard, sister
Amanda and brothers Mark, David and Peter. The family also lived in
Walmer for a while.
In her mid-40s Mrs Hornsey returned to education, graduating
from Christ Church University College in Canterbury with a degree
in travel.
In 2003 she was given an individual award for her work as part
of adult learners’ week.
She then became a tutor at South Kent College, where she set up
a teaching programme for youngsters who needed help with core
subjects. In 2008 her students, taking a level one travel and
tourism course, were praised for the quality of their work by
independent education and training consultants Scope.
Dr Graham Lewis, from Scope, said: “I see 240 other courses
across the country and the course at Dover is one of the best.
“In terms of what we call ‘added value’ – that means how far the
student has come in both attitude and education – they have taken
great strides in a very short time.”
Dr Lewis praised Mrs Hornsey for inspiring her students. Mrs
Hornsey’s teaching programme was subsequently adopted by other
colleges.
K College deputy principal Alison Monk said: “Anna was a well
loved and respected member of staff. She was mainly found in
Folkestone and Dover, always busy with preparations for new ideas
for her learners.
“Her colleagues will recall her chasing them up for paperwork or
to give evidence opportunities for basic and functional skills. She
was passionate that her learners should enjoy and succeed. Woe
betide any of us who didn’t put the learners before all else.
“She had a particular interest in the community of Dover and
played an active part in finding ways to engage young people in
education and training. Anna was a lovely, vibrant and
extraordinary colleague and friend to many. She will be missed by
her friends and students. Our sympathy goes to her family of whom
she often spoke and were so important to her in her long fight with
illness.”
The funeral will be at River Parish Church next Thursday January
10 at 3pm. Mrs Hornsey had asked that people wear bright
clothing.
Donations in her memory are being made to the Pilgrims
Hospice, Canterbury, via undertakers W.J. Farrier and Son, 161
London Road, Dover, CT17 0TG.
02/01/13
- Click here for more Deal, Dover and Sandwich news...
- Click here for more news from across the county...